TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia could have trouble getting access to generic drugs if the government decides to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The international trade agreement, initiated by the United States and involving 12 nations, contains provisions on the intellectual property rights that support pharmaceutical companies' monopoly, which can restrict access to cheap medicines.
In a discussion titled 'TPP, Do Not Sacrifice Cheap Drugs' held by Indonesia for Global Justice in Jakarta, Monday, January 25, doctor Maria Guevara, the regional representative for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for Asia, said the MSF is concerned that the TPP will worsen the global crisis of medicine.
"The article on intellectual property rights in the TPP agreement will extend, strengthen, and expand the pharmaceutical companies' monopoly beyond what is already stipulated in international trades that have existed before," Guevara said.
According to Guevara, the TPP will facilitate pharmaceutical companies to obtain patents for older drugs that are only slightly modified—a practice is known as patent ever-greening.
Sindi Putri, advocacy staff member of the Indonesia Aids Coalition (IAC), which pioneered the Cheap Medicines Coalition of Indonesia, spoke from a patient's perspective. Sindi said there are concerns that the TPP will lead to setbacks in the struggle for access to cheap medicines.
"Currently we are encouraging the revision of the Patent Act for it to be more in favor of the public health. The TPP would force countries to follow rules that are not in favor of the interests of public health," said Sindi.
In a meeting with President Barack Obama last year, President Joko Widodo expressed his intention to join the TPP. It raised pros and cons from various parties, with regards to what Indonesia will gain and lose if the government decides to join the partnership.
INGE KLARA SAFITRI
